Analysis of Heavy Metal Content in Selected Noodles Sold in Main Market, Onitsha, Anambra State, Nigeria
[1]
Collins Chibuzor Odidika, Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria.
[2]
Nkiruka Charity Eboagu, Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria.
[3]
Chinwe Priscilla Okonkwo, Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria.
[4]
Christian Chukwuemeka Oli, Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria.
[5]
Tochukwu Blessing Okonkwo, Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria.
The concentrations of some selected heavy metals such as Cd, Cr, Pb, Mn, Fe and Zn were analysed in four instant noodles samples (Indomie noodles-A, Tummy tummy noodles-B, Minimie noodles-C, Supreme noodles-D) consumed in Onitsha, Anambra State, Nigeria, And was carried out using Atomic Absorption Spectrometery (AAS). Except for the Zn concentration in sample C (58.66ppm) which was observed to be greater than the permissible range of WHO, all beneficial heavy metals (Fe and Zn) analysed in the noodle samples occurred within the permissible range of WHO (10.00-50.00ppm and 5.00-22.00ppm). The heavy metals (Cd, Cr, and Pb) in all the samples occurred at elevated levels relatively above the WHO permissible limit, with the absence of Cr and Cd in sample B (Tummy tummy noodles) and sample C (Minimie noodles) respectively, while the WHO permissible limit for Mn is not yet established. Therefore, precautionary measures should be employed in the frequent dietary intake of these noodles, to prevent health problems and detrimental effects, associated with the bioaccumulation of these heavy metals in the human body over a long period of time, especially in samples where they appeared in high concentration. We therefore recommend that more stringent policies and routine regulatory activities be carried out by monitoring agencies/bodies (WHO, FAO, NAFDAC, SON), to ensure healthy noodles get to consumers.
Heavy Metal, Instant Noodles, Atomic Absorption Spectrometer
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